21 November 2011

Sepia Saturday 102: Fish Tales

Chet Warwick and the one that didn't get away. Photographer unknown.

While I would love to tell a 'fish tale,' Chet Warwick
actually caught the one that got away! When I heard of his fishing adventures,
I suspected 'fish tales' -- these must be over-blown stories. His wife’s
anecdotes of high waves, broken-down motors and remote bays were all confirmed
by his sons. His sons were a mix of willing and unwilling participants.

I would definitely have been an unwilling participant -- I
have caught two 'trophy' fish. These
are my only catches (not counting my
husband). The first was a sucker (not
my husband). I begged mercy and the fish was reluctantly released. (Don't tell the Fish and Game Wardens.)

My next fish was a real trophy - at least in dollars or
memories per pound. Five days, four people, four out-of-state fishing licenses,
two white-striped bass -- one caught by me!
Fish weight.... I think they were
over the limit. (Don't tell the Fish and Game Wardens.) Enjoying canoeing all day;
roasting fish over the fire with my husband and parents; listening to the 'Grand Canyon Suite' bouncing
off the cliffs in a bay on Lake Powell; priceless!

There's always something a bit scary to me about dead fish hanging on a line. I too would let them go. A friend to this day can't stand even seeing fish because her father used to bring them home and throw them in the sink for her to clean.